D. Shape, lace and tie roasts and other meats, poultry or fish and may wrap prepared meats, poultry, fish and shellfish

E. Manage inventory, keep records of sales and determine amount, product line and freshness of products according to company and customer requirements

F. Ensure food storage conditions are adequate

G. May supervise other butchers, or meat cutters or fishmongers.

Where they find work?

1. Retail trade - 92.0%
2. Wholesale trade - 5.0%

What education do I need?

1. You usually need a high school diploma.

2. You may need a college or other meat-cutting training program or a three-year meat-cutting apprenticeship.

3. On-the-job training is usually provided for retail butchers and meat cutters in food stores.

4. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.

5. Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate, and almost 2 in 5 have a community college diploma.

High School Subject that will help:

1. Math
2. English

What can you expect to make:

The average hourly wages for Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale is $11.47/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the sale and service sector and are below average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Average Wage

Expected Wage by Age

Unemployment:

5% of Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.

Unemployment

Trends in Unemployment

Current Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale is considered Average because:

1. Employment grew at an average rate.

2. Hourly wages ($11.47) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.

3. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Future Job Prospects:

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:

1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average, partly because of the rising popularity of fresh and local products.

2. Although the retirement rate will likely be below average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.

3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Highest Concetration:

The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Butchers and Meat Cutters - Retail and Wholesale are found in Quebec and Manitoba while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Ontario.

Unionization Rate:

The unionization rate (46%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.

Useful Experience:

1. Food service

2. Customer service

3. Estimating

Part Time Workers

Part time workers:

35% of Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 39,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 117% since 1997.

Age Demographics

Age Demographics:

The relatively high percentage of younger workers suggests more entry-level positions and jobs that may serve as stepping stones in a career. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be below average because of a tendency to retire at an older-than-average age (65).

Self Employed

Self Employed:

Roughly 0% of Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale are self-employed. This is considered Below average for the industry as a whole.

Men vs Women

Men vs Women:

45% of the individuals employed as Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale are women. Compared to other industries, this is Average.